Kate Middleton is known for many things—glorious hair, adorable children, a love of high street style—but wearing tiaras is not one of them. While the Duchess is frequently seen in a hat or fascinators, the times when she's worn a tiara are comparatively few. In fact, the she has worn a tiara on just five occasions. Most recently, at the Annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace on December 8, where the Duchess looked every bit the royal beauty in one of Princess Diana's favorite tiaras.
It's uncertain whether Kate's decision to largely forgo royal headpieces has to do with representing the monarchy as more modern and in touch (which she often does by wearing affordable fashion and repeating outfits), or about distinguishing herself from Princess Diana, who had a penchant for tiaras (a less likely answer as Kate often channels her late mother-in-law's style)—or perhaps she just wants each time she breaks out the bling to be extra-special. Regardless, the Duchess looks absolutely stunning every time she dons the royal jewels and we wish she'd wear them more often.
Scroll down to take a look at each of Kate Middleton's rare—but always breathtaking—tiara moments:
December 8, 2016
At the Annual Diplomatic Reception held at Buckingham Palace, the Duchess accessorized her ruby-red Jenny Packham gown with the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara—a favorite of Princess Diana.
This glamorous heirloom has been in the family since 1913, when Queen Mary commission the royal jeweler Garrard to make it. It features 19 diamond arches over a row of pearl drops.
December 8, 2015
The Duchess previously wore the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara at the Annual Diplomatic Reception in 2015, paired with an ice blue Alexander McQueen gown.
October 20, 2015
Dressed in the familier red Jenny Packham gown, Kate Middleton wore the Lotus Flower Tiara while attending a state banquet for the Chinese president at Buckingham Palace. This piece was originally a necklace given to the Queen Mother in 1923, but she quickly had it turned into a tiara.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
December 3, 2013
At the Annual Diplomatic Reception in 2013, the Duchess wore almost the exact outfit she wore to the event in 2015. The blue Alexander McQueen dress and borrowed earrings from Queen Elizabeth were the same, but at the 2013 occasion Kate opted for the Lotus Flower Tiara.
April 29, 2011
On her wedding day, the Duchess complemented her Alexander McQueen bridal gown with a dramatic veil, which was anchored by the Cartier Halo Scroll Tiara, on loan from Queen Elizabeth.
This stunning diamond sparkler was created by Cartier in 1936 at the behest of King George VI—he gave it to his wife Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, three weeks before he ascended the throne. The delicate headpiece evokes a modern elegance, which made it the perfect choice for Kate's wedding day.
I am an experienced editor, writer, and creative strategist, specializing in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for digital media outlets, as well as video and social platforms. While I currently operate as a freelance contributor/consultant, with such clients as The Zoe Report, my 10+-year background in the industry was cultivated at the dot-coms of elite publications, including Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, and Marie Claire.
-
Olivia Rodrigo Finds the Perfect Spring Dresses at Reformation
She's worn the brand twice in the past week.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Curiously, Just as Meghan Markle Sends Samples of Her New Strawberry Jam Out, the Buckingham Palace Shop Starts Promoting Its Own Strawberry Jam on Social Media
The clip promoting the Buckingham Palace Shop’s product—we cannot make this up—is set to Mozart’s “Dissonance Quartet.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Zendaya's Latest 'Challengers' Serve Is Nearly a Century Old
The 1930s-era dress may have been pulled months ago.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Another European Royal Is Set to Abdicate the Throne—Though When, Exactly, Remains Unclear
This follows the shocking abdication of Queen Margrethe of Denmark earlier this year.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands Shares Swoon-Worthy Story of How He Met His Wife, Queen Maxima, in Spain 25 Years Ago
He raised a glass to the country during a state banquet at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, held in honor of King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
When It Comes to Grace Kelly’s 1956 Wedding Gown, the Magic Is In the Exquisite Details
“It really was just the most understated, yet elegant and unexpected gown choice that has really stood the test of time.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Royal Family Is Up Against Its “Biggest Crisis” Since the 1936 Abdication, Expert Says
“It’s been quite shocking.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
King Charles and Princess Kate’s Aligning Cancer Battles Show “The Cracks Turning Into Craters” for the Monarchy, Royal Author Says
The King always wished for a “slimmed-down monarchy”—but not like this.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
The Reason Members of the Royal Family Aren’t Allowed to Eat Sandwiches with Square Corners Goes Way, Way Back
Royal family protocol weirdness is possibly nowhere more pronounced than in their interesting food rules.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle's New Brand Is "No Different" From What King Charles, Other Royals Have Done for Decades: Expert
Her new venture has predictably received criticism ahead of launch.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Omid Scobie: Princess Kate’s Photoshop Scandal Exposes Just the Tip of the Iceberg of “Years of Deceit, Coverups, and Lies”
His comments come after news agency AFP said Kensington Palace is no longer a "trusted source."
By Rachel Burchfield Published